The document outlines the typical elements of a plot map including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The exposition introduces characters and settings. Rising action builds suspense. The climax is the turning point that changes the main character. Falling action ties up loose ends. Resolution concludes the story.

1. Identifying
the Elements
of A Plot Map

2. Plot
Plot is the chain of events that
carry a story forward to the
resolve of the conflict. Plots
are made up of a series of
events that are related to one
another that relate to the
theme of the story.

3. 1. Exposition
Usually occurring at the beginning of a
story, the exposition is how the author
introduces the characters, the setting, and
assures that the reader finds out
information needed to help them
understand the basic storyline.

4. 2. Rising Action
Rising action builds suspense and
intrigues the reader to follow the
protagonist through the story to the
climax.

5. 3. Climax point of the
The climax is the turning
story when the main character comes
face to face with a conflict. The
outcome of this major event will will
change main character in some way.

6. 4. Falling Action
During the falling action, loose ends
of the plot are tied up and the conflict
settled. Some stories, however, leave
the reader hanging causing them to
decide for themselves how the story
must resolve.

7. 5. Resolution
The resolution brings the
reader to the end of the
story.

8. Things to Remember
1. Exposition Usually at the
Beginning
2. Rising Action
Middle – End of
3. Climax Story
4. Falling Action
Resolve
5. Resolution after Climax